Owner of hunting guide company admits poaching violations

The owner of a hunting guide company in southeastern Kansas pleaded guilty and was sentenced Wednesday for violating state and federal laws while taking clients on hunting trips, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

Josh Hedges, 35, Grenola, Kan., owner of Eagle Head Outfitters, LLC, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and one count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Hedges was sentenced to five years on probation and ordered to pay $15,000 restitution to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Restitution Fund. In addition, he was forbidden to hunt, trap or guide for 12 years. Hedges also agreed to divest himself of the company located in Elk County.

Hedges admitted directing his guides to:
* Place corn, wheat and soybeans around ponds as bait for waterfowl.
* Help hunters to exceed their daily bag limits by offering to say they shot some of the birds the hunters shot.
* Fail to tag, process and transport birds as required by state and federal law.

In addition, Hedges admitted that he shot a hawk from his vehicle while sitting on a county road near Grenola.